What to see in December?

In December, my wife often comments that it’s “a good day to be a duck”, and
while she’s referring to the weather, this month is a good one for ducks at
Marymoor. Twenty-two species of geese, swans, and ducks have been noted at
Marymoor in December. Seasonal flooding may mean these birds are swimming in
temporary ponds on fields throughout the park.

Other waterbirds are also around, including Common Loons, as many as four
species of grebe, and Double-crested Cormorants. Shorebirds seen in December
include Killdeer (mostly on grassy fields), Wilson’s Snipe (at the edges of the
slough, around ponds, or in deep grass), and flocks of Dunlin (usually flying
overhead or over the lake).

Yellow-rumped Warbler numbers peak in October and April, but a few linger
through the dark winter months.

There are seven species of sparrow commonly seen in the winter – Spotted
Towhee; Fox, Song, Lincoln’s, White-crowned, and Golden-crowned Sparrows, and
Dark-eyed Junco. White-throated Sparrows may turn up amongst flocks of
Golden-crowned Sparrows. A few Savannah Sparrows may still be lingering, though
they typically clear out in November, not to return until March.

Large flocks of tiny Pine Siskins, making their “Zweeet” calls, may be seen
flying overhead like tight swarms of confused insects, until suddenly, it will
appear they’ve been sucked into the top of a tree. It’s as if someone turned on
a giant vacuum cleaner.

December is not a good month for rarities to show up, as most birds are not
on the move. Notable sightings have included Brant, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans,
Red-necked Grebe, Dunlin, Western Scrub-Jay, and Swamp Sparrow. On December 31,
2012, a Snowy Owl flew high over the park.